
June Spotlight: The 39th Annual SIP Convention is Almost Here!
The Society of Indian Psychologists is honored to welcome relatives, scholars, students, healers, advocates, and community members to the 39th Annual SIP Convention, taking place June 15–16, 2026, in Logan, Utah.
This year's theme, "Sacred Narratives: Reclaiming Identity Through Psychology," reminds us that our stories are more than memories, they are medicine. Across generations, our narratives have carried teachings about resilience, belonging, healing, responsibility, and identity. Through Indigenous psychology, we continue reclaiming these teachings as living pathways toward wellness for our communities.
For nearly four decades, the Society of Indian Psychologists has created space for Indigenous voices within psychology. What began as a gathering of Native psychologists committed to advocating for Indigenous mental health has grown into a vibrant community of researchers, practitioners, students, elders, and allies working to strengthen Indigenous well-being across Turtle Island. The annual SIP Convention remains a place where scholarship, community, culture, and healing come together.
Featured Keynote Speakers
We are excited to welcome Dr. Stephanie Fryberg, one of the leading Indigenous psychologists in the world.
Highlights of her work include:
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Internationally recognized for her research on Indigenous identity, representation, and psychological well-being.
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Her groundbreaking work has demonstrated how visibility, cultural representation, and positive Indigenous role models influence self-esteem, belonging, and achievement.
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A leading advocate for Indigenous-centered psychological science that challenges deficit-based narratives and promotes Indigenous strengths and resilience.
We are equally honored to welcome Dr. Dee BigFoot, a nationally respected leader in Indigenous trauma healing and community wellness.
Highlights of her work include:
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Internationally known for advancing culturally grounded approaches to trauma recovery and healing.
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Developer and advocate of Indigenous models that integrate traditional teachings, storytelling, family, and community into mental health practice.
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A lifelong leader dedicated to supporting Native children, families, and communities through resilience, historical healing, and culturally responsive care.
Want to learn more? Be sure to visit the speaker video section below to hear directly from our featured presenters and learn more about their work and contributions.
Whether you are a student, practitioner, researcher, community advocate, elder, or simply someone interested in Indigenous psychology, we invite you to join us for meaningful conversations, inspiring presentations, community connection, and collective learning.
This gathering is more than a conference, it is a place to reconnect with relatives, share knowledge, support emerging voices, and strengthen our collective future.
SIP Auction Donations Now Being Accepted
The SIP Auction is one of our cherished convention traditions and helps support our community and future programming.
We are currently accepting donated items for the auction, including:
• Indigenous artwork and crafts
• Books and educational materials
• Beadwork, jewelry, and cultural creations
• Gift baskets and locally made goods
• Other meaningful items you would like to share with the community
Every contribution helps strengthen the work of SIP and supports future opportunities for Indigenous students, researchers, and mental health professionals.
Come gather with us as we honor our stories, celebrate our communities, and continue reclaiming identity through Indigenous psychology.
Our stories carry our teachings. Our teachings carry our healing. Our healing carries our future.
We look forward to seeing you in Logan.
Holding Mental Health with Compassion
If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, crisis, or thoughts of self-harm, support is available:
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United States: Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
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Canada: Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (evenings)
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StrongHearts Native Helpline (U.S.): 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) — confidential, culturally-grounded support for Native and Indigenous peoples affected by violence
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If you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services
If you are outside these regions, we encourage reaching out to local Indigenous organizations, health centers, or community leaders for culturally relevant support.
Psychology, Insurance, and Policy Updates for 2025–2026
Updates: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule on July 10, 2024. Find more info: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/cms-federal-rule
Medicare changes in 2025. The final rule on the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule brings some good news for psychologists and aims to increase access to behavioral health services. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/2025-medicare-changes
Extensions of Telehealth access options. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates.
But how are the Reservations embracing digital sovereignty?
Digital mental health treatment: CMS expanded payment policies for digital mental health treatment devices under codes G0552, G0553, and G0554 for CY 2026.
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Final Rules (“Final Rules”) Are Released: Plans and Issuers Must Prepare for January 1, 2025 Effective Date (US). Find more info: https://www.triagehealthlawblog.com/hhs/mental-health-parity-and-addiction-equity-act-final-rules-final-rules-are-released-plans-and-issuers-must-prepare-for-january-1-2025-effective-date-us/ .Mental Health Parity: The 2024 Mental Health Parity final rule had staggered applicability dates beginning in 2025 and 2026, but federal agencies later announced a pause in enforcement of certain new provisions while they reconsider the rule.
JUNE RELATIVES' HIGHLIGHTS

SIP RETREAT & CONVENTION 2026
This year's theme is: Sacred Narratives: Reclaiming Identity Through Psychology
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
For the Convention Official Page Click Here
Payment accepted via PayPal.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VENDORS. Please fill out this form if you are interested.
SIP Convention Keynote Speakers
Click play to hear a message from our 39th Annual SIP Convention Keynote Speakers. To hear from Dr. Bigfoot, click on her image below.
39th Annual SIP Convention
39th Annual SIP Convention


Dr. Fryberg

Dr. Bigfoot
🌿 Calling All Vendors! 🌿
The Society of Indian Psychologists is looking for vendors for our 39th Annual Convention in Logan, Utah, on June 15–16, 2026.
Vendor spaces are available for:
✨ One day or both days
✨ Morning, afternoon, or full-day participation
✨ Artists, authors, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations
Connect with Indigenous psychologists, students, researchers, and community leaders from across the nation while showcasing your work.
Complete the interest form today and join us as we celebrate "Sacred Narratives: Reclaiming Identity Through Psychology."
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Executive Committee Statement on ICE Enforcement and the Well-Being of Indigenous Communities
The Society of Indian Psychologists’ Executive Committee offers this collective statement in response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities affecting Indigenous communities. Grounded in Indigenous values, ancestral teachings, and ethical psychological practice, this commentary addresses the mental, cultural, and spiritual impacts of enforcement actions on Native peoples, emphasizing sovereignty, historical trauma, and the need for culturally responsive, healing-centered approaches.
THE YEAR 2026
For allies, agencies, organizations, and groups looking to produce a Land
Acknowledgment, we would like to share and amplify existing resources developed by
the Native Governance Center. We would like to urge interested parties to review in its
entirety the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Guide.
This guide takes you through some steps to developing a thoughtful, respectful, and well-
researched land acknowledgment.
Most importantly, we urge interested folks to take time to review the Beyond Land
Acknowledgement Guide.
This resource outlines some problems with land acknowledgements, including
asking Indigenous collaborators to develop the land acknowledgment, careless or
limited research to inform the statement, and a focus on verbiage and optics rather than
steps towards tangible allyship. This guide then walks readers through developing a
meaningful action plan for Indigenous allyship that moves beyond land
acknowledgment, including a self-assessment and action planning worksheet.
Updated March 27 2025 by Brian McNeill, Ph.D. (Nez Perce and Palouse)



















